New York Mayor Considers Arresting Netanyahu During UN General Assembly Visit

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani revealed in an interview with The New York Times that he is exploring the possibility of ordering the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when Netanyahu visits the city for the UN General Assembly in September. Mamdani stated he is consulting with New York legal authorities to determine if he has the jurisdiction to issue such an order. He expressed his belief that Netanyahu belongs in The Hague, calling him a war criminal accused by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Mamdani acknowledged that the United States is not a party to the ICC and is not bound by its arrest warrants.

Mamdani had previously declared during his mayoral campaign last year that he would order Netanyahu's arrest if he visited New York. He has also accused Israel multiple times of committing genocide. Netanyahu, meanwhile, confirmed his intention to attend the UN General Assembly and accused Mamdani of supporting Hamas. In a recent radio interview, Netanyahu criticized Mamdani for condemning Israel, which he described as the only democracy aligned with American values, and accused Hamas of calling for the massacre of Jews worldwide.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon condemned Mamdani's statements, accusing him of neglecting his mayoral duties amid rising antisemitism in New York and instead engaging in incitement against Israel. Danon affirmed Netanyahu's planned attendance at the UN and stated that if anyone should be arrested, it is Mamdani. Israel's Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, also responded by emphasizing that the mayor has no authority to order Netanyahu's arrest and urged Mamdani to focus on managing New York City.

The situation sets the stage for a potential confrontation during Netanyahu's visit to New York in September, highlighting ongoing tensions between Israeli officials and the New York mayor over Israel's policies and actions.